Uganda Program Evaluates Impact of Twinned Training on Frontline Health Worker Performance and Maternal Outcomes

In many low-resource settings, including Uganda, maternal and newborn mortality rates remain unacceptably high, often due to preventable complications during facility-based births. A critical factor contributing to these outcomes is the inconsistent competency and performance of frontline health workers, particularly in remote and district-level facilities. Existing training programs frequently lack sustained follow-up and support, leading to knowledge and skill decay. Addressing this gap requires comprehensive strategies that not only train but also continuously support health workers to ensure high-quality care, directly impacting maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

This study describes a program evaluation designed to assess the impact of a novel twinned training and capacity-sustaining program among frontline health workers in remote and district-level health facilities across Uganda. The program incorporates supportive follow-up strategies to reinforce initial training. The evaluation aims to measure improvements in provider competencies, provider performance, and ultimately, health outcomes for women giving birth and their newborns. The study targets providers attending facility-based births, focusing on the effectiveness of this integrated training and support model.